St George Illawarra are proud to announce Zoe Raymond’s artwork, 'Stand Your Ground', as the winner of the Dragons' 2023 Indigenous Jersey Design competition as selected by the club's Reconciliation Action Plan committee, staff, players and local Elders.
The importance of this initiative is not lost on the Dragons, and we wish to thank all 21 entrants for submitting their designs, which we proudly showcase below.
We publicly acknowledge all 21 artists, their passion, their commitment and their skill.
These artists, who, through their artwork, are reflecting on the truth telling account of Biddea’gal and Dharawal Peoples battles against the colonists in the early 1800s, lead by supreme Aboriginal warrior Pemulwuy.
To all at the St George Illawarra Dragons, our fans, our community, our opponents, this initiative was inspired to tell and preserve the ‘real’ history of our First Nations Peoples’ culture and to highlight what really happened in the establishment of white settlement.
Indigenous art is centred on story telling. It is used as a chronical to convey knowledge of the land, events and beliefs of the Aboriginal people and important cultural stories through the generations.
The Dragons will wear their Indigenous jersey in Round 12 against the Sydney Roosters (Indigenous Round).
2023 indigenous jersey entrants showcase
Zoe Raymond’s ‘Stand Your Ground'
Zoe wanted this design to encompass the story of Bidjigal warrior, Pemulwuy, and the continuing story of our warrior men today who continue to fight for our people.
In the bottom left corner, you will see the silhouette of Pemulwuy watching over country and a trail of spears to replicate the 12-year fight that he led against the colonists.
As you move up, you see the different communities and people that make up the St George Illawarra region and the supporters of The Dragons.
The U shapes with spears lining the top of the design represent the St George Illawarra players that stand their ground in and outside of the field and protect the country and the people today; showing the way for our future generations and being the warriors of now.
About the artist: Zoe Raymond
Zoe is a proud Yindjibarndi and Pinikura woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, but has grown up between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast for most of her life.
A self-taught Aboriginal artist, Zoe, from the age of 10, with the support of her family and community, has found her true calling.
“I have a history of working in Indigenous recruitment, which pushed me to chase my dreams to work as a full-time artist and use this work and experience in the community to assist other Indigenous youth to pursue their dream careers," she said.
"Last year, I left recruitment and now work full time as an Aboriginal artist who specialises in anything from canvas pieces to digital and mural pieces.”
Zoe hopes to continue using her art to fundraise for Indigenous not-for-profits and work with clients, engaging the next generation of Indigenous people to reach their true potential.
